DELMIA Extended Milling Machining

DELMIA Extended Milling Machining (EMM) is an extension to DELMIA Milling Machining (MIM) that adds the capability of programming multi-axis milling machines. NC programmers experience a lifelike Version 6 3D representation of the physical workplace, in which they create, optimize, and validate milling programs.

Through its Version 6 PLM environment, EMM provides easy access to information for machining resources, programs, and machine tool setup that is always up-to-date. NC programmers can capture and leverage enterprise intellectual property and collaborate with other stakeholders as they develop, validate, and optimize their NC tool path programs.

Reduced NC programming time

Maximized machine tool utilization

Mitigated risk to production by using PLM shop floor resources during programming

EMM, the de facto standard for multi-axis milling, fills the needs of all industrial processes and makes it possible to machine even the most complex parts. It provides a full set of multi-axis milling strategies, including spiral milling, tube machining, curve following, flank contouring, helix, and interpolated axis along isoparametric mesh.

Dedicated operations that speed the programming of multi-cavity parts

EMM provides a unique approach to global and automatic programming of multi-cavity parts (such as thin-walled aerospace structural parts) that significantly reduces programming time. The operations that support this approach are the Power Machining operation and the Multi-Pocket Flank Contouring operation. Users need less geometry preparation and fewer surface selections to define machining operations.

Tool path optimization: taking NC machine kinematics into account

EMM expands on a capability in DELMIA Milling Machining (MIM). EMM lets users identify potential machine-tool kinematic issues during tool path computation and automatically correct the tool path when errors are found. Kinematic-related errors (such as axis out-of-limit and singularity issues) would normally be discovered downstream during machine-tool simulation or physical test runs. These errors are now found and solved at the earliest possible point in the business process—during tool path computation, resulting in huge productivity gains.

Support for NURBS output for Automatic Program Tools (APT) file generation

EMM supports the NURBS APT file format, providing greater flexibility and precision when machining free-form contours and surfaces–improving the quality of the machined part while reducing the generated file size.

A single IP platform for managing machining resources

EMM is a Version 6 solution that utilizes the PLM 2.0 platform, allowing users to manage CNC machines, accessories, tools and tool assemblies as PLM 2.0 objects. These resources can be retrieved through standard PLM search capabilities, using relevant machining attributes, and instantiated in a machining cell. Users get a clear understanding of the impact of changes to the definition of PLM 2.0 objects, such as part or cutting tool definitions, across all NC processes and programs. This single IP platform supports default or customized representation of the cutter and tool assemblies that are used for verification, simulation with material removal, and collision check.

A context-based, immersive user interface

EMM immerses users in a Version 6 3D environment. Context-based menus appear, based on what is being done. Traffic lights signal if parameters have to be defined to complete the operation. Help icons assist in editing each parameter. When a help icon is clicked, an image describing the parameter pops up in the panel. Programs can be quickly organized in the activities process tree using copy-paste. Tool changes and machine rotations are automatically generated and can be visualized in the process tree.

Quick tool path verification and editing

Tool path replay allows generation and verification of individual operations or of the complete program. Alternative machining strategies can be tested to obtain collision-free trajectories. The tool path can be replicated, mirrored, or translated and locally edited when needed.

In-process part visualization and material removal simulation

Users can visualize the in-process part and analyze remaining material. The in-process part is taken into account during tool path generation (this option can be activated for a whole program or at operation level). Workpiece material removal can be displayed with cutting tool colors that show which cutter generated the machined shape.

High-level automation and standardization

Machining processes can be defined as dedicated templates and stored in a catalog. The template can be retrieved and applied to the design features of the part geometry. The company’s intellectual property is capitalized and used to make programming more efficient. NC objects and attributes are handled as knowledgeware objects in order to increase the level of automation and standardization in NC program creation.

Product design change management

Because EMM is a Version 6 solution, it offers complete associativity among CATIA Version 6 design tools, product engineering, manufacturing processes, and resources. Users are automatically alerted to product design changes and can quickly assess their impact on the machining process. When necessary, they can easily update the tool path program.

Seamless NC data generation

EMM offers seamless generation of APT source and NC code ISO format through the integrated post-processor execution engine, the library of standard post-processor syntax mapping tables, and post-processor samples. The output formats can easily be customized. The output is generated and managed as PLM 2.0 objects in the IP platform. Moreover, the key information of the manufacturing program can be exported as documentation for ready reference on the shop floor.